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Chargers: Seven important 2020 unrestricted free agent decisions

By Alexander Insdorf

NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 20: Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers points to fans as he enters the field before a game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on October 20, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 20: Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers points to fans as he enters the field before a game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on October 20, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 08: Derek Watt #34 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter of a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on December 08, 2019 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 08: Derek Watt #34 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter of a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on December 08, 2019 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images) /

Decision No. 5: Derek Watt

One of the best stories of the 2019 Chargers was Derek Watt. His performance on special teams was Pro Bowl worthy as an alternate. Add in the fact that he got in his first touchdown. Watt is one of the best fullbacks in the league. His influence on special teams as well as his blocking ability is top-notch.

Frankly, one of my complaints about the 2019 Chargers is that there wasn’t enough Watt in some instances. While he was a frequent fixture on special teams, he only got 28 percent of the snaps. Understandably, there’s only so many snaps you can put a fullback in for during a game. But with some of Watt’s skills, it would be fun to get him involved in the passing and rushing attack,

What should happen: Watt gets a nice extension and a pay bump from the rookie wage scale he’s been on. He won’t command the salary someone like Kyle Juszczyk makes, but it’s hard to imagine he won’t make over a million in cap and be in the top five earners at the position.

What will happen: Watt comes back to the Chargers on a 3 or 4-year deal for around $1.5 million in average annual value. He also gets a bump in offensive snaps in 2020.

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